U.s, Probation Officer

Investigative Duties: The incumbent conducts investigations and prepares reports for the court with recommendations for sentencing of individuals convicted of federal offenses. The preparation of these reports requires interviewing offenders and their families, investigating the offense, prior record and financial status of the offender, and contacting law enforcement agencies, attorneys, victims of the crimes, schools, churches and civic organizations. An integral part of this process is the interpretation and application of the U.S. Sentencing Commission guidelines and relevant case law. The incumbent testifies in court as to guideline applications and serves as a resource to the court to facilitate proper imposition of sentence.

Supervision Duties: The incumbent supervises released offenders to maximize adherence to imposed conditions, reduce risk to the community and to provide correctional treatment. This is accomplished through personal contact with offenders in office and community settings. Offenders’ employment, sources of income, lifestyle and associates are investigated to assess risk and measure compliance. Written reports of detected violations are prepared with appropriate court testimony and disposition recommendations.

Qualifications:

Physical requirements and Maximum Entry Age:

Background Investigation, Drug Screening and Medical Standards:

Prior to appointment, the incumbent considered for this position will undergo an extensive medical examination and drug screening. Upon successful completion of the medical examination and drug screening, the incumbent may then be provisionally appointed. At such time, the incumbent will undergo an extensive Office of Personnel Management (OPM) background investigation. Continued employment will be contingent on successful completion of the OPM investigation. In addition, as a condition of employment, the incumbent will be subject to ongoing random drug screening, updated background investigations every five years and, as deemed necessary by management for reasonable cause, may be subject to subsequent fitness-for-duty evaluations and drug screening.

Benefits:

Benefits include participation in the retirement system, health and life insurance programs, holiday and leave accrual, and periodic salary increases. The Court is not authorized to reimburse candidates for travel or moving expenses. This position is subject to mandatory Electronic Funds Transfer participation for payment of net pay.

Qualified candidates must submit a cover letter, resume, and copy of college transcripts for Bachelor’s Degree and Master’s Degree, if applicable, to www.txwp.uscourts.gov > Court Info > Jobs > Current Employment Opportunities & Online Application. No late applications will be considered. Local candidates will receive priority consideration.

The Federal Judiciary, the Third Branch of the Federal Government, provides a generous benefit package which, in addition to salary, is an important component of total compensation.

Employer Contributions
Retirement Benefits

• Retirement - Basic Benefit (FERS employees) varies by type of FERS employee
• Thrift Savings Plan - Employee Matching up to an additional 4% of Basic Pay
• Social Security 6.2% of earnings up to SS Wage Base
• Thrift Savings Plan - Automatic Contribution 1% of Basic Pay for FERS employees

Health /Life Insurance

• Life Insurance - FEGLI BASIC option only costs $.075 per every $1,000 of insurance
• Health Insurance - Employer pays approximately 72% of FEHB premium

Wellness Programs

• WorkLife Program
• Employee Assistance Program
• Federal Occupational Health - Health Units

Saving for Retirement
Defined Benefit Retirement Program:

• Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS)
• CSRS is only available to employees who were covered under CSRS and subject to CSRS retirement deductions prior to January 1, 1987
• Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) *

Thrift Savings Plan (TSP):

• TSP Catch Up (employees age 50 or older)
• TSP Regular Account (pre-tax)
• TSP ROTH Account (after-tax)
• FERS employees matching